The Saudi digital media market is projected to hit $21 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.7%. This evolution is reshaping content creation, audience engagement strategies, and how international media companies approach the Saudi market.
The market’s ascending growth potential has made Saudi Arabia a favorable expansion destination and priority market for leading media firms such as the UAE-headquartered 7awi Media Group.
Establishing a Strategic Foothold in Saudi Arabia’s Digital Media Industry
Incepted in 2012, the Group has emerged as a powerful player in MENA’s digital media landscape.
Over the years, 7awi, pronounced as Hawi, has grown into a multifaceted value provider. Through its digital platforms, the Group offers a curated library of original video and editorial content spanning various verticals such as lifestyle, fashion, tech, business and finance, youth, and entertainment.
It currently operates a diverse network of digital platforms, attracting over 20 million monthly users and engaging more than 100 million followers across social media. Its portfolio of owned content brands includes premium publications such as Inc. Arabia, in partnership with Inc. Business Media.
Additionally, it also provides a full spectrum of digital advertising and web design services, helping its clients unlock new markets and revenue streams in the digital realm.
The continued growth of the Saudi digital economy, currently the largest regionally with a $132 billion market value, reflects the widespread adoption and consumption of digital-first content, presenting attractive entry pathways for media firms like 7awi.
By expanding its on-ground presence in Saudi Arabia, 7awi is focused on delivering content, products and services that are both globally appealing and deeply locally relevant.
“For us at 7awi, it was never a question of if we should be there—it was always when. The appetite for content, digital transformation, and storytelling that resonates with youth and brands is massive. And more importantly, we saw an opportunity to build local, long-term relationships and contribute to that growth in an authentic way,” said Anas Abbar, Group CEO of 7awi Media Group.
As digital tools and technologies evolve, so do audience engagement models and business growth strategies.
With a relentless drive for innovation, proprietary technology, and a vast digital reach, 7awi aims to carve out a solid market position in the Saudi digital content industry and empowers its partners and clients to redefine how content is consumed, shared, and interacted with.
Localization Fuels 7awi’s Saudi Expansion and Competitive Edge
7awi’s entry in Saudi Arabia exemplifies successful market integration. Over the past two years, the Group has steadily built up its presence in Saudi through multiple tie-ups with local partners and brands. It has launched various products catering to the needs of a wide range of Saudi clients and consumers.
Reflecting on the company’s Saudi journey, Abbar said: “We’ve built traction the old-fashioned way: consistent delivery, on-the-ground presence, and genuine trust. Today, we work with major Saudi brands, regional names, government entities, and lifestyle platforms.”
“From Arabic-first digital publishing to influencer marketing and large-scale storytelling campaigns, 7awi has launched localized platforms, powered creator collaborations, and elevated brand narratives across the Kingdom,” he explained.
To facilitate deeper stakeholder engagements, the company has set up a dedicated hub in Riyadh, as it continues to double down on localizing content, metrics, and partnerships.
Most recently, 7awi has just appointed a new Country Director to steer the company into its next growth phase. It comes as part of its expansion plans, which include enhancing its geographical footprint in several cities in the Kingdom in 2026.
A critical enabler of 7awi’s seamless entry into the Saudi market was AstroLabs. Through its end-to-end company formation support and post-incorporation services, AstroLabs’ role has evolved from being just a mere facilitator of 7awi’s expansion to a core growth partner.
“Their support wasn’t transactional—it became part of our team’s foundation in Riyadh,” Abbar noted.
“Scaling from incorporation to operations meant more than paperwork. We needed local talent, scalable systems, and trusted partners who understood the nuances. Post-incorporation, AstroLabs helped us with everything: local regulations, recommending the right hires, building out our office, and plugging into ecosystem conversations,” he further added.
The Group’s competitive edge lies in its ability to deliver locally tailored campaigns while maintaining a broad regional footprint, making it a valuable asset for Saudi brands, content creators, and publishers.
With a 100% internet penetration rate and a growing emphasis on local content coupled with active efforts to advance intellectual property (IP) protection, Saudi Arabia stands a compelling chance of becoming the digital content creation hub of the world.
7awi’s ongoing expansion in the Saudi digital media sector aligns with its vision to be at the forefront of this quiet transformation and enhance Saudi’s soft power, regionally and globally.